Green Cleaning: 5 Household Products You Should Stop Using

Recently, we’ve seen an influx of people gravitate away from chemical-filled products. From the body sprays we wear to the food we eat, we go to great lengths to avoid these dangerous substances.

Unsurprisingly, the household products we use are also filled with toxic substances. Carcinogens flood through our cleaning products, and that’s just the beginning.

Green cleaning products can help protect your family from cancer-causing substances and chemicals that can make them sick. Here are 5 household products you should stop using.

1. Mildew Removers

We rely on mold and mildew removers to get rid of those unwanted shower, floor, and tile stains. But, most of the major mildew removers contain sodium hypochlorite — especially Tilex.

This substance can induce significant skin irritation, as well as eye damage if it comes into contact with either. Using this cleaner in a closed off area can irritate the lungs and cause fluid build-up. Opt for white vinegar instead.

2. Window Cleaners

Much like mildew removers, Windex and other window cleaners are full of irritants. Its leading flavor agent, ammonia, causes damage to the mucous membrane and airways.

It’s also composed of butyl cellosolve, which is a much more harmful substance. This solvent causes fertility issues, anemia, kidney and liver damage, and so much more. It has no smell, so it’s difficult to spot overexposure.

3. Drain Cleaners

Standard drain cleaners aren’t only dangerous to plumbing systems, but also our bodies. They’re made from lye, caustic potash, peroxide, and/or bleach, which are toxic chemicals.

Baking soda and white vinegar can often do the trick. Pour half a cup of each down the drain and let sit for 30 minutes before rinsing with hot water. You could also try using a plunger, sewer snake, or an auger.

4. Oven Cleaners

Arm and Hammer is the only oven cleaner considered 100% safe by the Environmental Working Group. You’ll find a slew of harmful substances in the other brands, such as lye, ethers, ethylene glycol, and methylene chloride.

Unfortunately, our self-cleaning ovens aren’t as safe as they may seem either. Manufacturers coat ovens with Teflon, which is a harmful chemical even in the smallest doses.

5. Acidic Toilet Bowl Cleaners

Toilet bowl cleaners have high traces of hydrochloric acid, a corrosive to the skin. It’s also known to irritate the eyes, kidneys, and respiratory tracts. If swallowed, toilet bowl cleaners can cause death, so you must keep it away from children and pets.

Lemon juice, baking soda, and vinegar are all natural alternative toilet cleaners. Borax (different from boric acid) is also a great multi-purpose cleaner.

Where to Find Green Cleaning

Toxicants are everywhere. But, relying on natural products, such as baking soda and vinegar, can cut the number of chemical substances in your home.